Defrosting beef

[ew240197]

How long should it take to defrost a beef joint that is about 800g? I usually like to defrost things at room temperature

[country_boy]

I'd have thought it would take 3 hours, maybe more

[lia*]

Safely Defrosting Meat, Poultry, and Fish Products

(FSIS) Food safety experts recommend thawing foods in the refrigerator or the microwave oven or putting the package in a water-tight plastic bag submerged in cold water and changing the water every 30 minutes. Changing the water ensures that the food is kept cold, an important factor for slowing bacterial growth that may occur on the outer thawed portions while the inner areas are still thawing.

When microwaving, follow package directions. Leave about 2 inches (about 5 centimeters) between the food and the inside surface of the microwave to allow heat to circulate. Smaller items will defrost more evenly than larger pieces of food. Foods defrosted in the microwave oven should be cooked immediately after thawing.

Do not thaw meat, poultry and fish products on the counter or in the sink without cold water; bacteria can multiply rapidly at room temperature.

[ew240197]

Great - many thanks to you all for your help.

Cheers